Does honey cure bacterial conjunctivitis? a comprehensive in-vitro study [Part 1]

The use of honey as a topical antibacterial agent is gaining again acceptance for the treatment of surface infections. A common feature of most of the reports is the selection of the type of honey used. To assess the variation in antibacterial activity of honey, this work was done on honey samples from different apiaries in Egypt. An in-Vitro Broth Dilution method was done to determine the Minimal Inhibitory or Bactericidal Concentration [MIC or MBC] of these Egyptian honey samples on certain bacteria: ATCC Streptococcus pneumoniae, Heamophilus influenzae, Staphylocoecus aureus and E. coli, besides some isolated strains that are usually encountered in cases of conjunctivitis. The same method was also applied for glycerol and glucose in an attempt to clarify the possible mechanism of the effect of these honeys. The results revealed that all the tested honey samples had the same potency as a bactericidal agent at 25-30% MBC. Except against Staphylococcus aureus, they were bacteristatic. This high potency that was not affected by heat or light and was similar to the effect of glycerol [free from any enzymes] suggested the non-peroxide action of the Egyptian honeys. These data are very encouraging to use any type of Egyptian honey in a diluted form as eye drops for the treatment [part 2]